The main point in this chapter is that all professional writing is done for specific readers
in specific situations, to communicate information that readers will use. The writer’s primary
purpose is not to express personal feelings or opinions—or simply to transmit factual
information; instead, the writer’s purpose is to shape that information for the particular
uses of a specific audience. In this sense, the notion of “user-friendliness” applies not
only to computer hardware, software, and documentation but also to any document written
for its readers’ instrumental use.
To help students understand that this is not just another composition course, spend time
discussing the differences between technical and nontechnical writing. You might bring in
examples of technical writing, such as operating instructions for an electric tool or appliance,
and examples of nontechnical writing, such as expressive or mood pieces from popular
magazines, or newspaper feature articles purportedly objective but often dripping
with sentimentality. Comparing items on the same topic can be especially helpful. The
tone, style, and format of a government document on fishing catch quotas will be quite
different from a first-person narrative about a fly-fishing experience published in Field &
Stream. These types of documents can easily be found on government agency and magazine
Web sites, making the exercise suitable for online classes as well as in-class sessions.
Because motivation and attitude are crucial in getting students to improve their writing
(research shows that students write more effectively when the subject is engaging, and
when their purpose for writing is clearly defined), you might wish to amplify the section
on the value of technical skills with quotations from business, industrial, and technical
magazines, or by providing quotations from faculty in the business, engineering, and science
departments on your campus.
Answers
1. The exchange of information that helps people interact with technology and solve complex problems.
2. Which information is relevant to this situation? Can I verify the accuracy of this source? What action does it suggest? How does this information affect me or my colleagues? With whom should I share it? How might others interpret this information?
3. Our global community shares social, political, and financial interests.
4. Whatever your job description, expect to be evaluated, at least in part, on your communication skills.
5. It is 1) reader-centered, 2) accessible and Efficient, 3) often produced by teams, 4) delivered in paper and digital versions
Answers (continued)
6. To inform, to instruct, and to persuade
7. “How do I prepare the right document for this group of readers and this particular situation?”
8. 1) Deliver information readers can use, 2) Use persuasive reasoning, 3) Weigh the ethical issues, 4) Practice good team work
